Latest CCX Canal Lining Projects
Since its introduction in 2022, CCX™ has quickly gained traction as one of the most popular Concrete Canvas products. CCX™ has been designed specifically for the lining and remediation of large channels such as irrigation canals, increasing their operational life and reducing water seepage losses. This blog post will explore two notable CCX™ projects highlighting its effectiveness and versatility in diverse locations.
Project 1: CCX Canal Lining near Budapest, Hungary (M31)
In October 2022, CCX-M™ was used to provide erosion protection to a newly constructed water run-off channel near Budapest, Hungary. The M31 and Kis-rakos River basin district, covering over 800 hectares, faced significant erosion issues due to an outdated system and intense rainfall in recent years. The erosion had adverse effects on residential properties, agricultural land, and even the nearby airport.
CCX-M™ was delivered to the site in Bulk Rolls, which were then mounted on a spreader beam attached to an excavator. The material was lifted into place and unrolled across the width of the channel. Subsequent layers of CCX-M™ were overlapped, ensuring optimal water flow direction. In bends, trapezoidal pie pieces were cut to maximise material utilisation and placed beneath the overlaps.
Despite weather conditions causing a temporary halt in mid-December 2022 to mid-February 2023, the installation was completed over a period of approximately 4 months. The construction program limited CCX-M™ installation to two days per week and eight hours per day. Notably, an average of 7 rolls (665m²) of CCX-M™ were laid per day, highlighting the efficiency of the material.
The CCX™ projects in Kolwezi, DRC, and Budapest, Hungary, demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of using CCX-M™ for canal lining and erosion protection. Its rapid installation, ability to withstand demanding flow rates, and resistance to erosion make it a reliable choice for large-scale projects. With CCX™, Concrete Canvas continues to redefine traditional methods, providing innovative solutions that enhance operational life, reduce seepage losses, and protect valuable infrastructure.
Project 2: CCX Canal Lining in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
In June 2022, CCX-M™ (CCX-MAT™) was selected as the preferred lining solution for a challenging canal project in Kolwezi, DRC. The objective was to canalise pumped water from settling ponds to a river outlet, a distance of approximately 4km. The region’s high water table and subsurface water posed significant challenges, necessitating continuous pumping for safe mining operations at the Kamoa Kakula Mine.
Various lining solutions were considered, including traditional methods involving geomembranes with poured concrete, shotcrete, or riprap protection. However, the project demanded a fast and efficient solution due to the canal’s scale and its proximity to the rainy season. The lining material had to withstand high flow rates of up to 6m/s and abrasion caused by sediment accumulation during stormwater runoff.
CCX-M™ emerged as the ideal choice for the project due to its rapid installation capabilities, minimal labour and plant requirements, and ability to withstand demanding flow rates. The material ensured protection against erosion, mitigated water permeation into the soil, and provided an effective lining solution. The project’s success was further enhanced by the easy and quick installation techniques, with technical assistance from Concrete Canvas.
Project 3: CCX Canal Lining in Naousa Imathias, Greece
In May 2022, CCX-M™ was used to provide erosion control and reduce water seepage to an existing canal in Naoussa Imathias, Greece. The canal provided irrigation to adjacent fields, however erosion of the substrate resulted in the canal losing water.
A reinforced poured concrete lining solution was initially considered. However this method would be both time consuming and costly. CCX-M™ was suggested and used, with the material being easier and quicker, requiring less machinery and man power to install but also being more econimic, reducing the mass of material used and lowering the carbon impact.
Before the CCX-M™ material was installed, tree roots and rocks were removed to prevent damaging the LLDPE backing. Once all debris was removed, the canal was then re-profiled by hand to create as smooth and uniform surface as possible. Anchor trenches were excavated down both sides of the canal. Once dug, the CCX-M™ material was rolled out transversely across the canal. 380m² of CCX-M was installed in 2 days by a team of 7. The first day was spent cleaning and preparing the canal and second used to cut, lay, fix and hydrate the CCX-M™ material.
The CCX™ projects in Kolwezi, DRC, Budapest, Hungary, and Naousa Imathias, Greece, demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of using CCX-M™ for canal lining and erosion protection. Its rapid installation, ability to withstand demanding flow rates, and resistance to erosion make it a reliable choice for large-scale projects. With CCX™, Concrete Canvas continues to redefine traditional methods, providing innovative solutions that enhance operational life, reduce seepage losses, and protect valuable infrastructure.
